成人快手

A spiritual comment and prayer to begin the day with Rev Canon Dr Jennifer Smith, Superintendent Minister of Wesley鈥檚 Chapel and Leysian Mission

Good morning. Like many people, I have cancelled my summer holiday plans this year. To be fair, they were comparatively modest, involving a tent and a train to France. I am fortunate to love my work, but I also love a break from it: it is worth remembering that the command to take Sabbath is one of the ten commandments for a reason, and was not intended as a suggestion. Though presumably God rested not to take a break from email, but to glory in the beauty and variety of creation.

Holidays are not just a rest, but a chance to re-set perspective. And it鈥檚 worth remembering, they have always been a luxury not available to all. Holidays give a chance to reflect on why we live the way we do, and sometimes, to be among people who live differently or in a culture that is not our own. This is a healthy thing, humbling as we remember that our daily pattern and culture is not the only one. And beyond that, may not be the best or most healthy one for us.

Especially now, it鈥檚 easy for days and weeks to slip by without a change of routine, without the break in pattern to take us out of ourselves. Whether we鈥檙e in work or not, and working at home, or elsewhere, it is worth our making a Sabbath. And for those of us who may have been working very hard indeed in these weeks, it鈥檚 even more important. God rests. God glories in the beauty and variety of creation. So should we.

Almighty God, Give us eyes to see beauty around us, be it in city streets or rolling fields. Still our hearts and raise our eyes. In your name we pray.

Amen.